Post-doc Position in Molecular Immunology

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Post-doc Position in Molecular Immunology

A Postdoctoral position is available in the Molecular Immunology lab at the Institute for Research in Biomedicine (IRB) in Bellinzona, Switzerland, to investigate how RNA-binding proteins and post-transcriptional regulatory mechanisms shape human T cell function.

Your profile

• You have recently completed, or are close to completing, a PhD in Immunology, Molecular/ Cell Biology, or a related field.

• You are highly motivated, scientifically curious, and able to think independently and take ownership of a research project.

• You have a strong background in molecular/cell biology and/ or immunology. Experience in RNA biology, CRISPR-based approaches and/or functional genomics is an advantage.

• You are fluent in spoken and written English

Project & Environment

• The project will combine mechanistic molecular biology with functional studies in primary human T cells to address fundamental questions in post-transcriptional regulation.

• The lab provides a supportive environment for developing scientific independence, with opportunities to actively shape the direction of the project.

• The IRB offers state-of-the-art facilities and a vibrant, welcoming international environment with journal clubs, seminars, and scientific events.

• Bellinzona, located in the Italian-speaking region of southern Switzerland, offers a high quality of life, outdoor activities, and excellent connections to Zurich and Milan.

What we offer

• Swiss National Science Foundation (SNSF)-aligned salary and conditions.

•Start date: end of 2026/ beginning of 2027.

• Initial one-year contract, renewable.

How to apply

Send a single PDF to silvia.monticelli@irb.usi.ch, containing:

• Motivation letter describing your research interests, why you are interested in our lab,

and your potential contribution to its research

• CV

• Publication list

• Names and email addresses of two referees

Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis until the position is filled. We thank all applicants for their interest; however, only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.

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PhD Position in T-Cell Specificity and Autoimmunity

Our research combines a strong focus on innate and adaptive immunity, bridging basic and translational research. A particular interest of the laboratory lies in understanding how antigen specificity shapes T-cell responses in autoimmunity.

For this project, we are seeking a highly motivated PhD student. The successful candidate will investigate autoreactive T-cell responses and identify the antigens and epitopes they recognize. The project will combine cellular immunology with genetic, molecular, biochemical, and mass-spectrometric approaches, as well as translational models and patient-derived samples.

The Institute for Research in Biomedicine irb.usi.ch is a highly dynamic research institute with a strong focus on immunology. It provides excellent scientific training through seminars by internationally renowned speakers, specialized courses, and an annual retreat. The PhD program is conducted in collaboration with the Università della Svizzera italiana (USI).

Qualifications and requirements

• A strong background in immunology, molecular biology, biochemistry, or a related discipline
• Previous experience with T cells, primary human cells, flow cytometry, molecular cloning, or functional cellular assays is considered an advantage
• Strong motivation to work at the interface of basic and translational immunology
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively in an international research environment
• Good written and spoken English skills

Please contact roger.geiger@irb.usi.ch

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Bioimage Analyst (100%) for Microscopy Facility

A Bioimage Analyst position is available in the Microscopy Facility at the Institute for Research in Biomedicine (IRB), Bellinzona Institutes of Science (Bios+), in Bellinzona, Switzerland, to develop custom, state-of-the-art image analysis solutions for our research community spanning immunology, oncology, and translational research.

Your profile

• Master or PhD in computer sciences, physics, biology, or related disciplines, or equivalent experience.

• Strong skills in Python and experience with modern computer vision and emerging AI methods

relevant to bioimage analysis, including vision transformers, foundation models, large language models (LLMs), or agentic AI tools.

• A ‘can-do’ attitude and the ability to work independently in a heterogeneous environment with biologists, medical doctors, engineers, physicists, etc., translating between biological research questions and technical implementation.

• Experience with some of the following would be an asset: ImageJ/Fiji, napari, Cellpose, SAM-family, OME-Zarr/NGFF, QuPath, CellProfiler, Imaris, arivis Pro, Huygens, MATLAB, or Julia.

Your responsibilities

• Design, implement, and maintain custom image analysis pipelines for light and electron microscopy, including application, adaptation, or training of deep learning models.

• Train and support researchers in the use of the analysis pipelines.

• Advise researchers on experimental design for quantitative imaging, including controls, metadata standards, and statistical considerations.

• Contribute by teaching in courses on image analysis and microscopy.

• Provide hands-on training and assistance to light microscopy users, including design of feedback/smart microscopy tools.

What we offer

• A flexible role allowing transition between image analysis development and hands-on advanced light microscopy.

• A dynamic, cohesive and highly collaborative community.

• Access to modern light/electron microscopy facilities and computational infrastructure.

• Opportunities for co-authorship on high-profile collaborative projects and development of new image analysis methods.

How to apply

Please submit a single PDF containing a brief statement of interest (max. 1 page) describing your bioimage analysis experience and any microscopy practice, a full CV, and contact details for two references to diego.morone@irb.usi.ch (Manager of the Bios+ Microscopy Facility).

Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis until the position is filled, starting review after January 1st.

We thank all applicants for their interest; however, only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.

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